...but the pre-op diet has helped me to discover that my food addiction is HELLA strong!

I know many of you will say that I need to think hard about what im doing. Trust me, I have. I'm not complaining, I am simply remarking on how incredibly trained I have become to using food to address issues. I've joined OA, I'm reading books, im logging my food (the good, the bad, and the ugly) in my fitness pal. My eyes are wide open...maybe for the first time. How should I deal with this? I'd appreciate some feedback from all of you regarding this issue.

XO,

Ms. A

Your post is a great start.

Whatever bugs us can only be addressed if we recognize it's a problem.

Speaking purely for me, even though I don't have any (what I'd call) big issues around overeating, I still always managed to regain the weight I'd lost many, many times during heroic weight-loss programs.

My PCP urged me strongly to go into counseling before WLS, and I agreed to do so. I clearly needed some new perspectives on how to care for myself. Apparently, my "self care" really sucked. I think that's a fancy way of saying I took care of everyone else's needs before I took care of mine.

I found an excellent counselor who works with bariatric patients, among others. And I've resolved to stay in counseling for 3 years:

The year of losing weight,

The year of maintaining my weight, and

The year of boring real life.

That's my approach. Very best to you.

I was banded in 2008 and was not successful. I was sleeved in January 2015. In prep for this time I did a lot more support group, additional psych therapy and commitments to myself. I had a lot of fear that I would not be successful with sleeve. I have not had any sugar, bread, Pasta, chips, rice or fruit other than strawberries since surgery and truthfully, I do not crave that stuff, which I consider a miracle, truly.

I struggle with the amount I sometimes want to eat, but my tastes have really changed for the better. I know it's still early but I WILL continue to become healthy. It feels incredibly good.

Your post is a great start.

Whatever bugs us can only be addressed if we recognize it's a problem.

Speaking purely for me, even though I don't have any (what I'd call) big issues around overeating, I still always managed to regain the weight I'd lost many, many times during heroic weight-loss programs.

My PCP urged me strongly to go into counseling before WLS, and I agreed to do so. I clearly needed some new perspectives on how to care for myself. Apparently, my "self care" really sucked. I think that's a fancy way of saying I took care of everyone else's needs before I took care of mine.

I found an excellent counselor who works with bariatric patients, among others. And I've resolved to stay in counseling for 3 years:

The year of losing weight,

The year of maintaining my weight, and

The year of boring real life.

That's my approach. Very best to you.

Ann, I appreciate your kind words. I hadn't considered how admitting my struggle was a positive thing.????

I want to be successful. I know I can get there. I also realize I can't do this on my own. The commitment to three years of counseling is genius! I'm going to start looking for a counselor now that I can work with.

I also have discovered that I have really powerful feelings bottled up inside me. Now that I'm not eating food whenever/however I want to, it's like a tidal wave of emotion at times. Am I the only one who has this happening to me?

I was banded in 2008 and was not successful. I was sleeved in January 2015. In prep for this time I did a lot more support group, additional psych therapy and commitments to myself. I had a lot of fear that I would not be successful with sleeve. I have not had any sugar, bread, Pasta, chips, rice or fruit other than strawberries since surgery and truthfully, I do not crave that stuff, which I consider a miracle, truly.

I struggle with the amount I sometimes want to eat, but my tastes have really changed for the better. I know it's still early but I WILL continue to become healthy. It feels incredibly good.

Good for you! I hope you continue to be successful!

XO,

Ms. A

@@MsAlaineus Great post! I agree about the pre-op diet bringing out the head hunger. For me, the pre-op diet also reset my palate and food expectations. Even blander, low-fat, low-salt, low-sugar foods tasted wonderful post-op. It's like once I cleared all the gunk out of my system (oh, and removed 85% of my stomach ), I really didn't need a huge amount of anything other than simple Protein to feel satisfied.

Even 8 months out now, I love spices and sauces, but I'm still perfectly satisfied with just the protein and some veg.

We all had to make healthy food choices before surgery and we still have that same choice after surgery. The sleeve is not going to stop what we put in our mouths. Your head hunger may or may not be as strong post-op. My head hunger was almost nil post-op, but people have widely varying experiences.

Best of luck on your journey! You're off to a great start in identifying how your head hunger works!

Edited March 30, 201511 yr by AlwaysVegas

Thanks!

You know, I want to be better inside and out. The reality of what I'm going to do to myself physically has set in, and now I am facing my emotions, head on. I feel like I'm walking into a snowstorm of emotion without my trusty-dusty fur coat.

It dawned on me today that while some folks "cry it out" I have NEVER been able to do that. I hardly EVER CRY when I'm upset! I can't seem to muster the ability to release tears! How the hell have I gotten like this!??!!

I called a counselor today and she and I are going to meet this week. I explained what I've decided to do, and what kind of support I have sought, as well as what sort of support think I might need. She specializes in eating disorders, so hopefully I will pick up some new tools to retrain my brain.

Wish me luck.

XO,

Ms. A

Edited March 30, 201511 yr by MsAlaineus

...but the pre-op diet has helped me to discover that my food addiction is HELLA strong!

I know many of you will say that I need to think hard about what im doing. Trust me, I have. I'm not complaining, I am simply remarking on how incredibly trained I have become to using food to address issues. I've joined OA, I'm reading books, im logging my food (the good, the bad, and the ugly) in my fitness pal. My eyes are wide open...maybe for the first time. How should I deal with this? I'd appreciate some feedback from all of you regarding this issue.

XO,

Ms. A

Wow, you took the words right out my mouth! I'm in the early stages of pre-op and I'm kind shocked at how much I LOVE food in such an unhealthy way! I'm supposed to lose appr. 25 lbs before surgery and haven't even begun trying! I'm mostly afraid of not being able to eat what I want. I'm so frustrated with myself!!

...but the pre-op diet has helped me to discover that my food addiction is HELLA strong!

I know many of you will say that I need to think hard about what im doing. Trust me, I have. I'm not complaining, I am simply remarking on how incredibly trained I have become to using food to address issues. I've joined OA, I'm reading books, im logging my food (the good, the bad, and the ugly) in my fitness pal. My eyes are wide open...maybe for the first time. How should I deal with this? I'd appreciate some feedback from all of you regarding this issue.

XO,

Ms. A

Wow, you took the words right out my mouth! I'm in the early stages of pre-op and I'm kind shocked at how much I LOVE food in such an unhealthy way! I'm supposed to lose appr. 25 lbs before surgery and haven't even begun trying! I'm mostly afraid of not being able to eat what I want. I'm so frustrated with myself!!

I'm glad I'm not alone! I had no idea that this realization was waiting for me! I'm looking at it as an opportunity to just how far on "autopilot" I've been.

Waking up and taking an honest inventory is hard...but I'm believe it will be so much more rewarding to feel my feelings. Let's keep in touch.

XO,

Ms. A

@@MsAlaineus - I had my 6th counseling appt today (also with someone specializing in bariatric patient). I actually said to her that given the ups downs I have had in just 6 weeks dealing with food issues (and I haven't even started a pre-op liquid diet yet!), that I cannot imagine how people are successful with this surgery without counseling. I am currently dealing with acceptance of being a food addict. It's tough to accept and a word I don't like very much but somehow / someway, I know I am going to get to the other side of this - and counseling may be as big if not bigger part than the actual surgery! Best of luck with your counselor. If you don't hit it off with her, look for another one. That relationship is very important.

I start my pre-op liquid diet tomorrow, and I feel same way as you guys!

I guess I'm soooo used to just eating what I want, when I want, that I'm scared of not being able to control my self! LOL

But I WILL control myself because I know skinny will feel so much better than ANY food will taste!

Good Luck!

I met with the behaviorst that is a part of the weight management group that will do the surgery. He gave me several names of other potential therapists, so I am armed with possibilities. Its empowering to know that I can make decisions that affect my life in a positive way!